The Mantis

It always amazes me when I see these in any garden. They are sometimes quite interesting to watch, especially when they grab another insect. The Shaolin style of Martial Arts attributes are based mostly on the same movements of this insect.

Mantis

Mantis

History of Praying Mantis Kung Fu

According to the Praying Mantis Kung Fu Federation, “Three hundred and fifty years ago, Wong Long, the founder of the northern praying mantis style of kung fu, decided after learning the shaolin fighting system that he needed to make improvements… It was Wong’s custom to train and practice his shaolin kung fu skills in a meadow near the temple. One day after practicing with his sword, he sat down to study his books on Buddhism. He was interrupted by a noise nearby on the ground. Two insects were engaged in a duel, a praying mantis attacking a cicada. Within moments the praying mantis had killed the cicada and, holding it in its strong forearms, began eating. Wong was intrigued by the fierce attributes of the praying mantis insect. He was impressed by the way it had moved in and out and used it’s forearms to trap and draw in its prey… He saw in the fierce insect’s predatory ability a way to improve his own combat adeptness”. (blackbeltwiki.com)